Mediator 'Optimistic' About Afscme Talks

December 27, 1985|The Morning Call

State mediator Leonard Kern said yesterday he was optimistic about 1986 contract talks between Local 2714, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees - representing court-related workers - and Northampton County.

Negotiators met last Friday with Kern at the Government Center in Easton and "some progress was made," the mediator said.

"I'm in constant contact with them," Kern said. "We will definitely have another meeting, at a time that is convenient with everyone."

He said both sides probably will get together shortly afterthe holidays. The present contract between the union and the county expires next Tuesday.

Kern recommended Dec. 4 that a pact between the county and AFSCME's Local 2549, representing the prison guards, be submitted to arbitration. However, the guards said at a press conference Dec. 19 that they wanted to avoid arbitration if at all possible and Joseph Zajacek, county director of administration, said, "Management is willing to sit and talk to them at any time."